treachery

[ trech-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural treach·er·ies.

1. violation of faith; betrayal of trust; treason.

   Antonyms: loyalty

2. an act of perfidy, faithlessness, or treason.

treachery

/ ˈtrɛtʃərɪ /

noun

1. the act or an instance of wilful betrayal
2. the disposition to betray

Word History and Origins

Origin of treachery¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English trecherie, from Middle French, Old French, from trech(ier) “to deceive” ( trick ) + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of treachery¹

C13: from Old French trecherie , from trechier to cheat; compare trick

Synonym Study

See disloyalty.

Example Sentences

However, he warned of what he called “Israeli treachery” and said Lebanese authorities were “pleading... for international bodies to stand fast in defence of Baalbek's Roman ruins”.

From BBC

“The treachery of your tears is no use to fight injustice,” read one.

From New York Times

The famous Japanese actor brings treachery and playfulness to his depiction of the Lord of Izu, creating an unpredictable character whose shifty and oddly endearing persona stays with viewers.

From Los Angeles Times

Let treachery eat away at them from within.

From Salon

"The first lady is trying to use emotions rather than framing it in other ways. We have notions of treachery, the family being hurt," Mr Arguelles said.

From BBC

Related Words

• betrayal
• infidelity
• treason